Neighborhood Eats: Carlyle

This fudgy waffle is the signature dessert at outposts of the Great American Restaurants group. Photograph by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg.

Owned by the Great American Restaurants group, this swank Shirlington Village spot fizzes with energy. The deco-cool space is cushy, the service friendly and smart, and the menu a crowd pleaser. The drawback? The popular restaurant doesn’t take dinner reservations, so it’s best to call ahead to put your name on the waiting list.